This post was submitted by Jean

At my first job out of college I kept my dating life on the down low. I wasn’t sure how to broach the subject –evidence of my own then belief that my relationships were somehow different, lesser or weird. At my second job a year later, I came out awkwardly – over cocktails at happy hours, beginning with my first extremely tipsy company Christmas party (I did manage to keep my top on, but I did not manage to stay in the closet). At my third job, 5 years after my first, I came out running.  I was out before I had the job. I have the activities I’m proud of on my resume, including writing for this valuable site. In this job hunt I decided I would rather not get a job because my resume is “gay” than have to work somewhere that I didn’t feel open to be honest about my relationships.  I also didn’t want to be the subject of any gossip – my short hair, occasional tie wearing, extreme liberalism and a penchant for blazers are enough to launch a rumor mill – which is something of which I have no desire to be a part.

Being out at work isn’t always all fun and games or about friendship and transparency. In some careers and at some companies, acceptance isn’t as ubiquitous as we would hope. Admittedly, in my field folks tend to be more liberal. I’ve been lucky – I’m out, I’m open and I’m normal. I like being honest. I also have to acknowledge that although I pursued my degree in education, part of me is afraid to teach because I don’t want to have to hide who I am, and I also know that even in liberal cities, gay teachers have to be nervous about accusations, parent complaints, and general homophobia. That scares me.

I remembered by counseled by an erudite professor of sociology during my senior capstone course on social inequalities to “live in a state that protected my rights.” Then, I appreciated the advice and was truly touched by her concern for me, but I didn’t fully grasp what she meant.

I didn’t know that very few states had laws on their books protecting employees from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. I could get fired for having a girlfriend?

Today, that number is 17 plus the District of Columbia, and in Illinois, where I live and work, my rights are protected. If you don’t live in one of those 17 states, coming out or being out of being found out can mean the loss of your career with no ability to retaliate.

You maybe know a little something about ENDA.  It has been debated fiercely in the LGBT community for years now. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (which has yet to be made into law) would protect Americans from discrimination in the workplace by private employers. Most folks, like me, want that law to cover gender identity and transgendered folks, too – but other groups, including HRC before changing their stance late last year – supported the bill without those provisions (apparently with the attitude that it would be more likely to pass). They’ve now gotten on the boat with supporting only an inclusive bill. A bill that would protect millions of Americans. A bill that would make it law that who we are does not negatively effect what we do.

It’s hard to imagine that this isn’t a law already – that in places all over the country (and the world) you can be fired from your job because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. Even in states and cities will protections, coming out could mean a hostile and uncomfortable work environment.  I always appreciate people being honest about their sexual orientation in the workplace.

For those living within that comfortable bubble of security that is a protected city or state, being out at work is important for all of us. Of course it shows your boyfriend or girlfriend or partner the respect that comes from being honest. But it also brings crucial visibility to the community. We cannot be seen as normal by others if we don’t see ourselves that way – so if you are protected by law, and you feel safe, don’t be afraid to be out at work.

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